Best places to visit in Maine

If you’re searching for amazing and almost too good to be true stretches of coastline, mouth-watering food, breathtaking scenery, lakes, national parks, lighthouses, look no further than Maine, the northeastern state in the United States.

Often referred to as the “Pine Tree State” because of the many forests and parks, Maine is a heaven on earth for those who enjoy nature and all the beauties that come along with.

This place attracts tourists over the year thanks to the important part it plays in the history of the U.S. and the beauty.

If you haven’t visited Maine yet, you’re missing a lot such as these best place to visit here that prove the positive rumors of the state of Maine.

1. Peaks Island

Peaks Island is one of the most popular places in Maine. It’s a part of Portland, and it’s around 3 miles away from the central part of the city.

The island became popular during the 19th century. It was then known as the Coney Island, and it represented home to amusement parks, theaters, cottages, and hotels. It’s a great island that will charm you with historic sites, museums, kayak, and bike rentals.

On your visit, refresh yourself with a drink and gaze at the ocean at the Inn on Peaks, Cockeyed Gull or at the Peaks Island House.

You can spend your afternoon exploring the island on foot. Or kayak. Or rent a bike and enjoy the beautiful landscape from Backshore.

If you want to learn more about the island’s history, visit the Fifth Maine Museum. And if you head up the hill, don’t forget to visit the Peaks Cafe and taste the cinnamon buns. You can also visit the Gem Gallery, Take a Peak, and the Umbrella Cover Museum.

If you want to give your trip the perfect sweet ending, Down Front has a delicious ice cream you can enjoy.

2. Beehive Island

If you’re into outdoor activities, parks, and hiking, Beehive Island is the perfect place for you to visit in Maine. It represents one of Acadia National Park’s most popular and classic hikes.

However, it’s not for people who’re afraid of heights. If you’re used to private hiking, know that hiking here is exposed.

You will be given iron rings, ladders and boulders to pull yourself up to the trail. You will like it here because it allows you to climb your way to the top and boost your confidence.

The best part of hiking here is the incredible, breathtaking landscapes you get to enjoy if you get up early. You can finish your hike in a few hours and enjoy the view the rest of the time.

And even if you don’t like the idea of climbing up the trail, you will like the view of Frenchman’s Bay and Sand Beach stretching out right before your eyes.

It’s a view you cannot miss and an experience that you will never forget. If you plan to visit, know that pets aren’t allowed because of the iron rungs and steep nature.

3. Baxter State Park

Maine shines during the leaf-peeper season. There’s nothing you won’t like about this place during this period when the days are warm, and visitation is reduced.

If you’re into observing all this beauty, visit the Baxter State Park, that represents home to alpine flowers, unusual glacial formations, cascades and hinterland ponds.

If you want a clearer explanation, just think of it this way. Just like Acadia National Park is the gem to the coast, Baxter represents the gem to inland Maine. Locals know this park as New England’s biggest state park rich in wildlife and hiking trails waiting on you to explore.

One of the best things you can see in this park is the greatest mountain in America, Katahdin that rises over 5,200 feet to the park offering multiple lower tops.

If you plan to visit, know that there’s no running water, no gas, no electricity, and no Wi-Fi. The roads are still unpaved, the buildings are primitive, and the service is negligible.

It’s the perfect place to unplug yourself from the city fuzz and reconnect with wilderness. You can spot a bull moose. Or a cute doe. Or even a scary black bear walking the woods.

If you plan to visit, know that the best time is during the fall period. It’s the best place to experience autumn in full. Also, we didn’t mention that Baxter’s park represents one of the most famous hiking spots.

So, if you’re into outdoor activities, this is the place for you. You can enjoy the view of the tree line. Or organize yourself a picnic near a waterfall.

The park offers a lot of recreational activities. You can rent a canoe for $1 per hour. Or rent it for the entire day for only $8. There are campgrounds, cabins, an old sporting camp on lake Katahdin that can be accessed only by foot, and other accommodations.

If you stay overnight, you will be rewarded with a stunning sunset, and get the whole experience of spending an entire day and night at the Baxter Park.

4. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park represents a recreation spot that’s primarily located on Mount Desert Island. The 47,000-acre is best known for the rocky beaches that will amaze you, woodland and glacier-scoured granite tops like the Cadillac Mountain.

This mountain represents the highest point in the east coast of the United States. If you decide to visit, know that you will be surrounded by bears, seabirds, moose, and whales.

But also by shops, restaurants lined in Bar Harbor, a famous gateway. This place is the gem of the Maine coast.

You will get to enjoy spectacular views, nature stretch, and diverse wildlife in one of the most visited parks in the state. We’ve mentioned it before, but we’re going to introduce to you Bar Harbor in detail.

It’s a small seaside center, located northeastern of the Island and has a special relationship with the park. And it’s like a sister to Acadia.

They’re often referred to as the “twins.” To enter the park with a private vehicle, you will have to purchase a $30 ticket. If you enter it with a motorcycle, you will be charged $25.

And for a single person, it costs only $15. If you wonder when to visit this heaven on earth, know that two short sections of the road are open throughout the year.

One gives you access to Jordan Pond through the Road of the same name in Seal Harbor. While the other goes by Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.

And it’s accessed through Schooner Head Road that’s 2 miles south of Bar Harbor. If you plan to visit, keep in mind that you can bring your pet under a few conditions.

You should keep your pet on a leash. And never even think about leaving it inside your car while you explore the park because temperatures get real high up here, especially in summer.

You’re responsible for removing your pet waste from every developed area in the park such as campgrounds, parking lots, roads, and picnic sites. For more info on where you can and can’t take your pet, it’s best you contact the Acadia park and ask.

5. Cadillac Mountain

As we mentioned before, you can find Cadillac Mountain along Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. It’s one of the highest points on the North American territory, and it’s best known for the magnificent sunrise.

It’s practically the first place in the state where you can see the sunrise, no matter the time of the year. One of the most preferred activities in Acadia National Park is to watch the sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain.

So, if you plan to visit and don’t have a problem with getting up at 4 am, be prepared to experience the best sunrise you’ve ever witnessed.

To catch it, you will have to drive through Cadillac Summit Road. But it’s worth it. Cadillac Mountain is a must-see on your trip to Maine.

You have the Eagle Lake on the northwestern side and the Cranberry Islands to the south, while Bar Harbor lies to the northeast along with the Bar Island, and the Porcupine Islands.

If you plan to visit, keep in mind that it’s best you do it between May and October. Also, don’t forget that you will pay a fee of $25 at entrance throughout the peak season.

If you plan to drive to Cadillac Mountain, don’t forget to walk the trail. You will be rewarded with amazing views. However, be careful because, on some days, it gets windy.

6. Mount Katahdin

Mount Katahdin represent one of the biggest mountains in the United States. It was 5,267 high and was named by the Penobscot Indians.

Katahdin stands for “The Great Mountain.” Located in the northeast Piscataquis, Katahdin also represents the highlight of Baxter State Park. With 46 other tops and ridges, the highest one is Baxter Top.

If you wonder why to visit Mount Katahdin, know that it offers a wide range of activities such as hiking and climbing, gazing at the amazing views you won’t believe are real, camping and other outdoor activities that will bring back your lively spirit.

Travelers who visited this place say that it was the highlight of their travel to Maine. It’s one of the most famous mountains in Maine where you can unplug yourself from civilization and reconnect with yourself.

So, if you’re feeling kind of lost recently, being here will help you find yourself again. Visiting this place provides an unforgettable experience. When you climb Mount Katahdin, vegetation change, and the trail incline.

It also provides an enlightening experience that will remind you that life’s short and you’re very blessed to be a part of this beautiful world of wonders.

If you plan to visit, know that there’s not a good time because it’s always the right time to visit this place. There are nine trails and five individual tops.

One of the hardest ones is known as the “Knife’s Edge,” while the longest one is called “Hunt.” You can access it from the back side and enjoy waterfalls, streams and a lot of rocks.

If you hesitate if you should visit this place, don’t and do it.

7. Portland Head Lighthouse

If you plan a trip to Maine, don’t miss out visiting the Portland Head Lighthouse. It’s a historic landmark located in Cape Elizabeth.

It lies at the entry of the main shipping channel into Portland Harbor together with Casco Bay in the Maine Gulf. The lighthouse was completed in 1791, and it’s the oldest one.

It’s also one of the most beautiful and frequently captured lighthouses in the entire state.

Unfortunately, the lighthouse is closed to visitors, but most travelers stop by to take a photo of it and visit the nearby museum, lawns, beach, and picnic areas.

If you plan to visit, know that it’s open only during weekends between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. If you want to enjoy the incredible view of the Maine coastline, you should visit.

But if you want to learn more about the history of the place, check out the Museum and gift shop nearby.

8. Old Port

Best known for the cobblestone streets, fishing piers and the 19th-century brick constructions, the Old Port represents a district of Portland.

It’s filled with many bars, beautiful restaurants, and boutiques you can enjoy during your stay. And if you’re a fan of experiencing wild nights, this is the place for you.

The Old Port has built a good reputation when it comes to nightlife. It’s why most travelers visit in the first place.

9. Sebago Lake

If you want to take a swim in one of the deepest lakes in Maine, visit Sebago Lake.

It’s the second biggest lake in Maine. And also one of the deepest ones with a max depth of 316 feet. It covers around 45 square miles and is over 12 miles long with a 105 miles shoreline.

This lake is special because it’s also a recreation center and the main water supply for the city. Located in northwest Portland, Sebago is certainly worth your visit.

10. Sunday River Resort

If you’re into winter outdoor activities, the Sunday River Resort should be on your list of places to visit on your trip to Maine.

It’s one of the most popular and biggest ski resort in the state. It’s also the sixth-biggest one in New England. You can find it in Newry.

What more could you possibly ask for? Most of the visitors say that the place is perfect for a family vacation because of the wide range of family orientated opportunities like gondola rides, chair lifts, biking, climbing and more.

But keep in mind that they’re in service only between Monday and Thursday. A place that’s definitely worth your precious time and visit.